Summary
Russian soldiers shared accounts of harsh conditions on the front lines in Ukraine, reporting that commanders executed soldiers who refused to follow orders. The soldiers, speaking from a location outside Russia, described these acts as intimidation, carried out to prevent disobedience among troops.
Key Facts
- Two Russian soldiers described executions by commanders of soldiers who refused orders.
- The accounts were given to the BBC by soldiers who are currently in hiding outside of Russia.
- One soldier, Ilya, witnessed a commander shoot four soldiers at close range, an act referred to as "Zeroing."
- "Zeroing" is Russian military slang for executions used as punishment for disobedience.
- Another soldier, Dima, confirmed that witnessing such executions was common and considered normal.
- The Russian government claims its forces treat personnel with care and investigates alleged violations.
- The information provided by the soldiers has not been independently verified.
